10 Best Stereo Receivers Under $500

If you are looking for a great quality stereo receiver and have under $500, you have landed at the right page. As we all know, the receiver is the back-bone of a stereo system; a stereo receiver converts multiple inputs into an amplified version and, also provides multiple outputs for connecting multiple speakers. The amplification does not impact the quality of the sound normally.

The truth is: most stereo receivers don’t come cheap; models with every high-end feature are expensive. But that does not mean we can’t find good-quality receivers at a much lower price.

If you are not a tech-savvy and care little about the terminologies and jargons of this industry, this article is meant for you, as we have produced for you a well-researched, brief and comprehensible list of best stereo receivers that are under the $500 mark, have great quality sound and have the most desirable features.

Have a look at our pick of the best stereo speakers under $500

	Stereo Receivers	Channels	Power	Dolby   Atmos	DTS:X	Connectivity	Price
1.	Yamaha RX-V483BL	5.1	145 W	–	–	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$334.88
2.	Denon AVRS730H	7.2	165 W	Yes	Yes	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$319
3.	Onkyo TX-NR575	7.2	170 W	Yes	Yes	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$379
4.	Yamaha RX-V683BL	7.2	105 W	Yes	Yes	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$329.99
5.	Sony STRDH190	2	200 W	–		Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$148
6.	Sony STR-DN1080	7.2	165 W	Yes	Yes	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$448
7.	Yamaha R-N303BL	2	125 W	–	–	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$269.95
8.	Onkyo TX-8220 2	2	100 W	–	–	Bluetooth	$199
9.	Sherwood RX-4208	2	200 W	–	–	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$124.99
10.	Sherwood RX4508	2	200 W	–	–	Wi-Fi/Bluetooth	$149.99

1. Yamaha RX-V483BL 5.1 Ch 4K Ultra HD Receiver

The Yamaha RX-V483BL 5.1-Channel 4K Ultra HD MusicCast AV Receiver has a maximum effective output power of 145 W. The Free MusicCast controller app allows you to access the local and online library and control volume and input selections from anywhere at home. Digital sound field processor adjustment creates sound fields; you can use the AV Controller app to control the DSP parameters as well.

A stand-out feature of the device is Yamaha’s total purity; it equips the device to provide high-quality, fine and disruption-free sound. It comes with built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirPlay wireless connectivity, and is equipped for high-quality audio playback.

You can add audio up to 9 additional rooms with MusicCast wireless speakers. The dimensions of the product are 12.9 x 17.1 x 6.54 inches and 2 AAA batteries are included in the box.

It is equipped with 4K Ultra HD Pass-through and up-scaling and provides YPAO sound optimization. Easy Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity provide pleasant user-experience. Weighing in 17.9 pounds, the receiver is easy to handle and use. 

The Yamaha RX-V483BL is a great option under $500 because of its flexible features and great quality.

Pros:

• HDMI input/output compatibility
• 5.1 channel powerful surround sound feature
• Sound optimization and remote control through the controller app

Cons:

• May take up some time and effort to set up a surround sound system

2. Denon AVRS730H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver with Built-in HEOS Wireless Technology

Denon AVRS730H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver will also be light on your pocket. It has 165W maximum power per channel and is 7.2 channels (Multi-Source/Multi-Zone) 3D audio AV receiver with the original and reputable Denon sound. The HEOS wireless technology enables you to monitor your local and online files from anywhere in your house through the HEOS app easily.

A prominent feature of the device is Alexa virtual assistant technology offered by Amazon, though it comes separately; you can adjust the sound with Alexa with no hassle. Denon has, for your enjoyment, installed a 5.1 surround sound speaker system and two extra overhead speakers in the receiver.

DTS:X provides the user with a lifelike audio experience; it renders an improved realism to your video and offering an immersive environment. Possessing 6 HDMI 2.0a Inputs and 1 output, the Denon AVRS730H 7.2 Channel AV Receiver offers 4K Ultra HD 60Hz Pass-through with HDR and Dolby Vision Compatibility.

The AirPlay, HD Audio Support, Built-in ‘HEOS’ Multi-room Audio and Music Streaming Capability makes the receiver a great choice for your home theatre as all these cool features come for under $500.

Pros:

• App control through the mobile phone
• Built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi

Cons:

• Difficulty in getting used to Alexa

3. Onkyo TX-NR575 7.2-Channel Receiver

Onkyo TX-NR575 7.2 Channel Network A/V Receiver is equipped with 7 audio channels with an output power of 170 watts and dynamic audio amplification. The Onkyo receiver supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, enabling the device to offer an immersive and realistic environment.

It comes with the dimensions of 14.88 x 17.1 x 6.81 in and weighs 20 pounds. Onkyo, in this receiver, offers great power with 170 W/Ch (6 Ohms, 1 kHz, 10% THD, 1 Channel Driven)/ 80 W/Ch (8 Ohms, 20 Hz–20 kHz, 0.08% THD, 2 Channels Driven).

An attractive feature that grasps the attention is the DTS-Play Fi; it is a wireless protocol and works with any mobile or PC audio app; a great relief, right?

Smooth Streaming is made possible by the Selectable 5 GHz/2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. The Bluetooth wireless streaming feature also provides a great experience with any audio application.

So, we are looking at a good-quality, under-$500 and a feature-rich receiver that has the potential to provide great value for money.    

Pros:

• Smooth streaming on AirPlay, the Spotify app and locally
• AccuReflex technology provides a cohesive reproduction of sounds from multiple speakers

Cons:

• Bluetooth connectivity is reported to cause difficulty

4. Yamaha RX-V683BL 7.2-Channel MusicCast AV Receiver

Another good option under $500 would be the Yamaha RX-V683BL 7.2-Channel MusicCast AV Receiver, which comes with a 7.2-channel surround sound and offers 105 watts of power. Owing to the Dolby Atmos and DTS: X feature, the receiver extends an immersive and realistic experience. You can also add your audios to up to 9 rooms with the MusicCast application.

If you are a fan of virtual assistance, the Alexa app provides you flexibility for voice control. However, it comes separately, and it may get a little difficult to operate.

A stand-out feature of this device would be the ECO mode that saves energy up to 20%; exciting, isn’t it? It is equipped with a compressed music enhancer and supports high-quality audio inputs for an enriched experience. Yamaha RX-V683BL vitalizes listening experience through YPAO sound optimization tuning. It provides an input-output ratio of 6/1.

Dimensions of this stereo receiver are 17-1/8″ x 6-3/4″ x 14-7/8″. However, weighing in 22 pounds the receiver is a little heavy compared to its competition.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi compatible
• AV control app
• Stylish design

Cons:

• Can pose difficulty in using the remote for inputs and volume

5. Sony STRDH190 2-ch Stereo Receiver with Bluetooth and phono-inputs

The Sony STRDH190 2-ch Stereo Receiver with Phono Inputs & Bluetooth is a 2-channel device with a power of 200W. The built-in Bluetooth enables you to connect from other Bluetooth devices easily.

Dimensions of the product are 11 x 17 x 5.2 in and it weighs in 17.1 pounds, which is pretty reasonable compared to other devices out there. If you are fond of simplicity, you can go with this device as the design is simple, offers good features and you can place it in any conventional AV cabinet.

It comes with 2 AAA batteries and provides 4 speakers connectivity with A/B switching (combined and separate). The Sony STRDH190 2-ch stereo receiver covers almost all your needs as the box contains 30 radio stations preset, a wireless remote (RMT-AA400U), Batteries and FM antenna. The STR-DH190 has 4 audio inputs and one output and offers high-resolution audio sound.

If you are looking for a good quality stereo receiver and on budget, this is a great option; it has a stylish and simple design and offers good features.

Pros:

• Pairable smartphone connectivity
• High-quality audio output

Cons:

• Bluetooth range is approximately 30 m

6. Sony STR-DN1080: 7.2 Channel stereo receiver plus Dolby ATMOS feature, a Bluetooth and compatible Wi-Fi

The Sony STR-DN1080 stereo receiver comes within your price range and has all the features and quality that you would need for an enjoyable stereo receiver. The receiver exhibits 7.2 channels and offers the Dolby ATMOS feature for a realistic experience. The extraordinary characteristic of delivering surround sound can also be attributed to the DTS:X support in the device. It also provides an immersive environment.

Optical, digital and analog Audio Video connections, USB port and 6 input/2 output HDMI ports offer amazing home entertainment setup. Connecting your TV, smartphone and disc-player is pretty smooth because of these features.

Weighing in 23 pounds and possessing the dimensions of 19x15x8.4 inch, the receiver has an output power of 165 watts.

Phantom speakers at the back enable the 360-sound experience. The sound system of Sony STR-DN1080 provides you with the flexibility of position-optimization of the sound; you can relocate the sound by adjusting angle and position.

So, go ahead, have a detailed look at the product on Amazon and buy it on one of the most reasonable prices without worrying about the quality.

Pros:

• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi compatibility
• D.C.A.C. EX auto-calibration
• 4K pass-through feature to enable a high-quality image.

Cons:

• Incompatibility with Samsung TV

7. Yamaha R-N303BL Stereo Receiver

Yamaha R-N303BL Stereo Receiver comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support and has an output power of 125W. It supports the MusicCast app for easy and remote controlling of smartphones, computers and other devices.

An interesting feature is its radio’s signal-to-noise ratio which is 65 dB / 64 dB. The phono input provides RIAA equalization, maintaining the original sound quality.The device weighs only 15.9 pounds and has the dimensions of 17-1/8” x 5-1/2” x 13-3/8”.

If you are a fan of virtual assistance, the Yamaha R-N303BL may attract you as it is compatible with the Amazon’s Alexa, however, the Alexa device comes separately.  This Yamaha receiver stands out because of its simple yet stylish design and two channels of 100W power output. It provides access to your local audio files, Spotify, Pandora, Napster, SiriusXM and internet radio. The R-N303 is manufactured and designed to support high-quality audio files.

You can also use Google devices and Amazon Echo to control the MusicCast products on the Yamaha R-N303BL stereo receiver. So, if you are looking for a stylish and affordable device, this device most probably satisfies the criteria for you.

Pros:

• lightweight
• Works with Amazon’s Alexa
• Powerful and clear sound

Cons:

• Wi-Fi connectivity may get flakey

8. Onkyo TX-8220 2 Channel Stereo Receiver (with Bluetooth)

The Onkyo’s TX-8220 2 Channel Stereo Receiver seems to bag a multitude of impressive features when we relate them to its inexpensive rate. With its Bluetooth audio compatibility with almost any device, and digital, analog and phono inputs of audio, the receiver vitalizes a home stereo system.

The Bluetooth support converts a sound from a smartphone, tablet, personal computer or laptop into cinematic audio without losing original audio quality. You can connect two pairs of speakers to two separate posts for a multi-room audio experience.

The TX-8220 receiver is equipped with a preset of 40 AM/FM stations. Treble, bass and controllable balance provide great flexibility to the user. With the dimensions of 12.9 x 17.1 x 5.9 in, the TX-8220 weighs in just 15 pounds.

Low impedance design does not allow the sound quality to deter. The impressive thing is its cost; it is inexpensive for its features and provides a great value for money as it is way below the $500 mark.

Pros:

●       Accurate running of the speakers through a huge EI transformer under heavy loads

●       Inexpensive

●       High-current amplification

●       Powerful sound

Cons:

●       Not very powerful (45W/Ch)

9. SHERWOOD RX-4208 200-Watt AM/FM Stereo Receiver

The SHERWOOD RX-4208 is one of the most inexpensive stereo receivers in our list of under $500. With the dimensions of 22 x 18 x 10 in and weight of 25.8 pounds, the receive offers a whopping 200 watts of output power. The phono input feature boosts the sound while maintaining its original quality through RIAA equalization.

It is equipped with AM/FM stereo tuner with auto-scan capability and A/B speaker selection feature with 3 audio input and 2 output. You are even provided with the flexibility of bass, treble and balance control in the device.

An interesting feature is the sleep timer; we really liked this one as you don’t always have the energy to pick yourself up while in a semi-sleep condition and turn any device off. The Sherwood RX-4208 has an output headphone jack and a fluorescent display.

So, if you are looking for a receiver that offers quality and cool features, the RX-4208 is a great option; it is way below the $500 mark and the features are also attractive.

Pros:

• Tone direct
• Radio Data System (RDS) function
• Phono input

Cons:

• Limited inputs (No USB and Bluetooth)

10. Sherwood RX4508 200W AM/FM

The Sherwood RX4508 is another stereo receiver falling way under $500, and to our surprise, has great features as well. The quartz phase-locked loop (PLL) is a unique feature that generates a louder output signal whose phase is related to the input phase; this enables the input and output frequencies to remain the same. The Auto-scan function and a quick scan against the 30-station pre-set is also there to provide a hassle-free user experience.

In addition to the TuneTone Direct and treble/bass control, the receiver is equipped with 3 Audio inputs and 2 Audio outputs for connecting multiple sources, and a phono-input. The amplifier is powerful, to say the least, and generates great sound.

The RX4508 is manufactured to provide a 2 Channel: 100W + 100W (40-20kHz/8Ω/1%) powerful output, a Bluetooth and aptX codec support for audio. It weighs 16.31 pounds and the dimensions of the product are 14.76 x 17.13 x 5.55 in.

The RX4508 receiver is a recommended device as it provides the user with great features at an affordable rate; it is way cheaper than the $500 mark.

Pros:

●       Sleek, simple and stylish design

●       Accurate sound production

Cons:

●       No HDMI

Conclusion

The products we chose for you after thorough research are all available on Amazon under $500, which is our core concern here, right? Of course, the quality and features should not be compromised in an even low-priced or economical product; it should meet the basic requirements of an effective, useful stereo receiver.

The products even have some premium features despite being inexpensive, and that obviously is the most impressive thing in any device. So, go ahead, get yourself an awesome and affordable stereo receiver.